Yum China CEO says 2023 was a ‘pivotal year’

Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China, commented, “2023 was a pivotal year for Yum China. Not only did we demonstrate strong resilience during the pandemic, but we also seized opportunities that arose from China’s reopening. In 2023, our system sales grew by 21%, surpassing the industry’s growth rate, and we set new records for both revenue and profits. Our return to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases in 2023 was the highest since spinoff. Looking ahead, we remain very positive about the vast growth opportunities in China. Currently serving just one-third of China’s population, our ambitious goal is to extend our reach to half of the population by 2026. Over half of our new stores are located in lower-tier cities, strategically positioned to capture the demand from long-term consumption upgrades there. We are also expanding our addressable market and capturing incremental sales across city tiers with innovative products, engaging campaigns and a wider range of price points. Leveraging our distinctive strengths, including brands deeply ingrained in China, remarkable agility and robust operational execution, we are well-positioned to achieve our growth targets for 2024-2026 and deliver excellent returns to our shareholders through increased cash dividends and stepped-up share buybacks.”